Sleeping and being aware

I have been really tired since I can remember, and lastnight something happened that made me wonder. I went to bed around 6 p.m. woke up at 8p.m. falling back to sleep aroun 830. I woke up this morning around 5. thats almost 13 hours of sleep. Currently (10:30) I feel like I could just pass out. My fiance told me that when he got home he came in to check on me and he said I looked sound alseep. The thing is, I heard him come in the front door, i heard him look at me and I heard him turn on the tv in the living room. Also when he got in bed, I heard him russle the sheets, and start snoring. I know that people say too much sleep can make you tired too, but this isn't a normal tired, this is a it hurts to keep my eyes open tired, a i have to fight to stay awake tire, and a excessive yawn tired. I just graduated college last may and moved to another city in august to start a job. I was never this way in college, but I was also diagnosed with a blood disorder in may that put me on blood thinners. I wasn't like this in the summer, but I could go to sleep whenever and wake up whenever. Back to the current, I don't usually feel this way on the weekends. I don't know if its because I can fall asleep whenever and wake up whenever and take a nap whenever I please, but I seem to only be this tired when I have to do something that day. Basically I am wondering if its possible to be asleep but not get the right amount cause your constantly aware of your surroundings.

Hi fastcarr, how are you doing? Normally a adult needs minimum of 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep at night and if possible 1-2 hours of day nap. Sleeping extra hours once in a while or weekends is normal. You need to give some more details as to your sleep pattern and any disturbance you face like night terrors. Sleep paralysis is disorder where one is physically inactive but can still be awake. Usually stress either physical or mental can cause it. To overcome it, do morning-evening walk, regular stretches, have nutritious diet with lot of water or other liquids, have hot shower and listen to soft music before going to bed, these can be soothing to mind and body so it may be of some help. Mild dose of Alprax also can be tried. Usually this does not cause any physical harm, but if it continues or worsens, do consult a Neurophysician or sleep specialist. Take care and update on your progress.

Hi fastcarr, how are you doing? Normally a adult needs minimum of 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep at night and if possible 1-2 hours of day nap. Sleeping extra hours once in a while or weekends is normal. You need to give some more details as to your sleep pattern and any disturbance you face like night terrors. Sleep paralysis is disorder where one is physically inactive but can still be awake. Usually stress either physical or mental can cause it. To overcome it, do morning-evening walk, regular stretches, have nutritious diet with lot of water or other liquids, have hot shower and listen to soft music before going to bed, these can be soothing to mind and body so it may be of some help. Mild dose of Alprax also can be tried. Usually this does not cause any physical harm, but if it continues or worsens, do consult a Neurophysician or sleep specialist. Take care and update on your progress.

Hi fastcarr, how are you? Hope you might be doing better. How is your sleep these days and do you still face the same sleep problems? You need to reduce stress due to sleep disturbance or due to daily activities. Do regular stretches, have balance diet and try to go to sleep early. Have you got a sleep study done? Some of relaxation techniques or courses like doing meditation and yoga is more helpful. How about your blood pressure and blood sugar? Physical therapy for a few sitting can also be beneficial. Try to avoid, coffee, tea, heavy spicy food and habit of sleeping supine. A daytime nap is good. It is better to get evaluated by sleep specialist. Please share your thoughts and keep updating on doctor advice. Take care.

Hi fastcarr, how are you? Hope you might be doing better. How is your sleep these days and do you still face the same sleep problems? You need to reduce stress due to sleep disturbance or due to daily activities. Do regular stretches, have balance diet and try to go to sleep early. Have you got a sleep study done? Some of relaxation techniques or courses like doing meditation and yoga is more helpful. How about your blood pressure and blood sugar? Physical therapy for a few sitting can also be beneficial. Try to avoid, coffee, tea, heavy spicy food and habit of sleeping supine. A daytime nap is good. It is better to get evaluated by sleep specialist. Please share your thoughts and keep updating on doctor advice. Take care.

Sleep is still the same... lots of it but doing no good. I have to fight to stay awake at work but then when I get home its like I can. I eat pretty good...blood pressure and blood sugar is good. I have had a sinus infection for about well since janurary... I think that may have something to do with it. I am not anemic...I was but we took care of that. I see my dr on the 26th then a hemotologist on the 31. Hopefully one will take me more seriously. But ill let you know

Sleep is still the same... lots of it but doing no good. I have to fight to stay awake at work but then when I get home its like I can. I eat pretty good...blood pressure and blood sugar is good. I have had a sinus infection for about well since janurary... I think that may have something to do with it. I am not anemic...I was but we took care of that. I see my dr on the 26th then a hemotologist on the 31. Hopefully one will take me more seriously. But ill let you know

Hi, thanks for your reply and giving the details. Do you get bad dreams? Are you still having sinus problems? It aggravates further the stress you are going through. Anemia might cause you to feel tired very soon. You can also consult a sleep specialist for a sleep study. Try to avoid going to sleep very late and take a day nap if time permits. Do keep updated on your doctor visit and the advice thereon. Take care.

Hi, thanks for your reply and giving the details. Do you get bad dreams? Are you still having sinus problems? It aggravates further the stress you are going through. Anemia might cause you to feel tired very soon. You can also consult a sleep specialist for a sleep study. Try to avoid going to sleep very late and take a day nap if time permits. Do keep updated on your doctor visit and the advice thereon. Take care.

Hi fastcarr, how are you keeping? Have you consulted the sleep specialist for a sleep study? Be assured you can do well by following some of healthy sleep habits and trying to overcome stress by keeping yourself physically active. Do continue the stretches and regular exercises with a nutritious diet and plenty of oral fluids. Sleep paralysis may not cause physical harm, so do not be worried. Stress and sleep deprivation could be the triggers which you need to work on to overcome them. How about your new job plans? Please update on your sleep study or any doctor advices. Take care.

Hi fastcarr, how are you keeping? Have you consulted the sleep specialist for a sleep study? Be assured you can do well by following some of healthy sleep habits and trying to overcome stress by keeping yourself physically active. Do continue the stretches and regular exercises with a nutritious diet and plenty of oral fluids. Sleep paralysis may not cause physical harm, so do not be worried. Stress and sleep deprivation could be the triggers which you need to work on to overcome them. How about your new job plans? Please update on your sleep study or any doctor advices. Take care.

Just wanted to update you... I got to go to the dr early because of infected toe that resulted in a minor surgery yesterday, and 1 more next monday... but the dr set me up with a sleep study, and they are supposed to call me and tell me what day. I am also urinating very frequently and with blood. She thinks I could have an infection that could be making me tired as well. As for the stretching, I try to everyday. As for the eating I'm still working on that because I am trying to get the whole coumadin and what will mess with it thing down. Unfortunately the only vegies I like are the ones on the list that are high in vitamin K. But I am hoping we might be on track to fix this problem.

Just wanted to update you... I got to go to the dr early because of infected toe that resulted in a minor surgery yesterday, and 1 more next monday... but the dr set me up with a sleep study, and they are supposed to call me and tell me what day. I am also urinating very frequently and with blood. She thinks I could have an infection that could be making me tired as well. As for the stretching, I try to everyday. As for the eating I'm still working on that because I am trying to get the whole coumadin and what will mess with it thing down. Unfortunately the only vegies I like are the ones on the list that are high in vitamin K. But I am hoping we might be on track to fix this problem.

Hi fastcarr, thanks for your updates. What was the toe problem and surgery done? Are you diabetic? Do you have any other urinary symptoms like loin pain/back pain, fever and burning sensation in urine? Do drink lot of water till you get the urine test or a KUB scan done. Your sleep study will certainly let you know about the present status, wait for results. It is better to slow down on those foods, which are rich in proteins for some time. Try to do your best to keep yourself physically active. Do update after your follow up visit. Take care.

Hi fastcarr, thanks for your updates. What was the toe problem and surgery done? Are you diabetic? Do you have any other urinary symptoms like loin pain/back pain, fever and burning sensation in urine? Do drink lot of water till you get the urine test or a KUB scan done. Your sleep study will certainly let you know about the present status, wait for results. It is better to slow down on those foods, which are rich in proteins for some time. Try to do your best to keep yourself physically active. Do update after your follow up visit. Take care.

I stubed my tos and cracked the nail and tried to clip it out but instead it got infected so he removed about have my nail. I have no diabetes. She actually did blood work for all that stuff I cam back ok. I have my sleep test tomorrow night and then urologist on thursday. I do have low back pain, but its not like when I had my kidney stones. No fever but hot and clod flashes along with sweating and excessive thirst. I stopped the soda, and limited my caffiene. Its just horrible, I go and then sometimes as soon as 5 minutes later I gotta go again. It sucks....they found no infection in the urine just a lot of blood.

I stubed my tos and cracked the nail and tried to clip it out but instead it got infected so he removed about have my nail. I have no diabetes. She actually did blood work for all that stuff I cam back ok. I have my sleep test tomorrow night and then urologist on thursday. I do have low back pain, but its not like when I had my kidney stones. No fever but hot and clod flashes along with sweating and excessive thirst. I stopped the soda, and limited my caffiene. Its just horrible, I go and then sometimes as soon as 5 minutes later I gotta go again. It sucks....they found no infection in the urine just a lot of blood.

Hi, how are you doing? Thanks for reply. Well, how is your toe now? Take care as to avoid secondary infection by taking course of antibiotics and also wearing shoes, better to have alternate day dressings till the nail is grown. Have you got your blood pressure checked? Hope you might have had your sleep study by now and what did the doctor suggest? Are you getting some good sleep these days? Please update once you undergo investigations and evaluation by urologist and plan of care. Take care.

Hi, how are you doing? Thanks for reply. Well, how is your toe now? Take care as to avoid secondary infection by taking course of antibiotics and also wearing shoes, better to have alternate day dressings till the nail is grown. Have you got your blood pressure checked? Hope you might have had your sleep study by now and what did the doctor suggest? Are you getting some good sleep these days? Please update once you undergo investigations and evaluation by urologist and plan of care. Take care.

I did go to my sleep study. They said no apnea, but noticed I think they said my REM sleep was not like it should. It's still be evaluated by the doctor. I went to the urologist and they took a sample directly from my bladder and looked around with a scope. The scope was ok... and he said the culture basically had to "cook" for a couple days So I should know early next week. I also got a C-T for kidney stuff(stones and he thinks maybe I might have disease). My toe is good, only bruised (from the coumadin) where they put the numbing shots in. My blood pressure is good. Yesterday it wass 100 over 79. (little low I know, but its usually 117ish over around 80.) Pretty good for an over weight softball player. As for sleep, I sleep well, but never want to wake up in the morning. And I am still tired throughout the day. Like today, I can't wait to get home and take a nap. Pretty sad for a 24 yr old on a friday night huh?

I did go to my sleep study. They said no apnea, but noticed I think they said my REM sleep was not like it should. It's still be evaluated by the doctor. I went to the urologist and they took a sample directly from my bladder and looked around with a scope. The scope was ok... and he said the culture basically had to "cook" for a couple days So I should know early next week. I also got a C-T for kidney stuff(stones and he thinks maybe I might have disease). My toe is good, only bruised (from the coumadin) where they put the numbing shots in. My blood pressure is good. Yesterday it wass 100 over 79. (little low I know, but its usually 117ish over around 80.) Pretty good for an over weight softball player. As for sleep, I sleep well, but never want to wake up in the morning. And I am still tired throughout the day. Like today, I can't wait to get home and take a nap. Pretty sad for a 24 yr old on a friday night huh?

Hi, thanks again for reply. I hope you might be feeling bit relief as the sleep study turned out to be more or less normal study. Do consult a sleep specialist for the interpretation of sleep study report and further advise thereon. Regarding the urinary symptoms, yes it takes at least 4-5 days for the culture report to come. When is your follow up visit with Urologist? Discuss with him the culture and CT scan report. Increase your liquid intake, which might be helpful to maintain blood pressure levels with good hydration. Again to say, stress could be the trigger so take things easy and do have sleep to extent possible. Take proper care of your toe till its completely healed. Have a great weekend. Take care and update on your next doctor visit.

Hi, thanks again for reply. I hope you might be feeling bit relief as the sleep study turned out to be more or less normal study. Do consult a sleep specialist for the interpretation of sleep study report and further advise thereon. Regarding the urinary symptoms, yes it takes at least 4-5 days for the culture report to come. When is your follow up visit with Urologist? Discuss with him the culture and CT scan report. Increase your liquid intake, which might be helpful to maintain blood pressure levels with good hydration. Again to say, stress could be the trigger so take things easy and do have sleep to extent possible. Take proper care of your toe till its completely healed. Have a great weekend. Take care and update on your next doctor visit.

so I got my results back from the sleep study. They said my EEG was abnormal and that I snore really loud. Also that when I'm on my back I do have trouble breathing. So I went to a nurologist today. I have to get a sleep deprived eeg and a MRI and ct of my brain. He also told me I have to lose some weight by the next time I see him or I would have to be on the machine for the rest of my life when I sleep. I can do it cause. Its only 10 lbs. He also suggested I look into getting my tonsils out because they are really big and five me a very small airway. So it seems after thousands of dollars we are getting somewhere. As for the urology stuff I havent heard anything but I'm really more worried about the always feeling tired. And the toe is good. I'm waiting right now to get the other one done. I'll keep u updated as I hear what's going on...

so I got my results back from the sleep study. They said my EEG was abnormal and that I snore really loud. Also that when I'm on my back I do have trouble breathing. So I went to a nurologist today. I have to get a sleep deprived eeg and a MRI and ct of my brain. He also told me I have to lose some weight by the next time I see him or I would have to be on the machine for the rest of my life when I sleep. I can do it cause. Its only 10 lbs. He also suggested I look into getting my tonsils out because they are really big and five me a very small airway. So it seems after thousands of dollars we are getting somewhere. As for the urology stuff I havent heard anything but I'm really more worried about the always feeling tired. And the toe is good. I'm waiting right now to get the other one done. I'll keep u updated as I hear what's going on...

Hi fastcarr thanks again for your updates. Are you able to sleep well now? You may get brain CT, MRI and EEG done as per advice. Obesity and obstruction to airway (enlarged tonsils) are common causes for snoring and sleep deprivation. You may consult an ENT doctor for removal of tonsils, if really necessary to get rid of snoring. It is good to loose weight as much as possible by increasing your physical activities and regular exercise. Better to avoid appetite suppressors or doing without proper diet. How about your urinary symptoms? Have you received the urine culture report? Take care and please update on the progress once you are done with all tests.

Hi fastcarr thanks again for your updates. Are you able to sleep well now? You may get brain CT, MRI and EEG done as per advice. Obesity and obstruction to airway (enlarged tonsils) are common causes for snoring and sleep deprivation. You may consult an ENT doctor for removal of tonsils, if really necessary to get rid of snoring. It is good to loose weight as much as possible by increasing your physical activities and regular exercise. Better to avoid appetite suppressors or doing without proper diet. How about your urinary symptoms? Have you received the urine culture report? Take care and please update on the progress once you are done with all tests.

Been reading this thread and wanted to mention a couple things from your study. Am I misunderstanding that you didn't get a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea yet you were prescribed a machine? It would be a good idea for you to ask for a copy of your report so you can follow the different aspects of your problem as they unfold.

Having difficulty breathing and snoring when on your back is common in sleep apnea. If you did not get the expected amout of REM sleep while on your back, then the test would likely not be a complete picture of how bad your apnea can be.

Between the tonsils and the weight, that's enough to cause problems. Even if you lose the weight and/or get the tonsils out, it would be a good idea to repeat the sleep study to assure the problem is resolved.

There's more than one kind of apnea, so maybe that's why they're pursuing other tests. Not to mention there's lots of different sleep disorders. Hopefully your answers are close at hand and your sleep issues diagnosed and resolved.

Been reading this thread and wanted to mention a couple things from your study. Am I misunderstanding that you didn't get a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea yet you were prescribed a machine? It would be a good idea for you to ask for a copy of your report so you can follow the different aspects of your problem as they unfold.

Having difficulty breathing and snoring when on your back is common in sleep apnea. If you did not get the expected amout of REM sleep while on your back, then the test would likely not be a complete picture of how bad your apnea can be.

Between the tonsils and the weight, that's enough to cause problems. Even if you lose the weight and/or get the tonsils out, it would be a good idea to repeat the sleep study to assure the problem is resolved.

There's more than one kind of apnea, so maybe that's why they're pursuing other tests. Not to mention there's lots of different sleep disorders. Hopefully your answers are close at hand and your sleep issues diagnosed and resolved.

Thanks,
I didn't get diagnosed with sleep apnea (because I didn't stop breathing) but the neurologist I went to said he was going to put me on one of those machines if I didnt lose the wieght. Im not obese or anything, so don't think that is my problem, I just gained that weight you gain when they put you on the pill. He wants me to lose that. As for the tonsils, I doubt I will get those out... There wasn't anything wrong with my REM, it was my eeg.

Thanks,
I didn't get diagnosed with sleep apnea (because I didn't stop breathing) but the neurologist I went to said he was going to put me on one of those machines if I didnt lose the wieght. Im not obese or anything, so don't think that is my problem, I just gained that weight you gain when they put you on the pill. He wants me to lose that. As for the tonsils, I doubt I will get those out... There wasn't anything wrong with my REM, it was my eeg.

Hi fastcarr, how are you and how about your investigation results you recently underwent? Have you got evaluated by ENT doctor for removal of tonsils or any other mode of treatment for snoring? What is your ideal weight and by how many pounds you are overweight. Regarding the overweight, consider losing weight on a long-term basis by regular physical exercises and balanced diet, cutting down on carbohydrates and direct fats. It is better not to go out for any corrective surgery or on pills as said earlier. Also it is unlikely that you might be put on a device to assist your sleep, if you have been ruled out of sleep apnea problem. Hope now your urinary symptoms are under control? Does your urine culture suggest any growth? Still it is good to drink lot of water and recheck your urine routine examination. Take care and please update on the progress.

Hi fastcarr, how are you and how about your investigation results you recently underwent? Have you got evaluated by ENT doctor for removal of tonsils or any other mode of treatment for snoring? What is your ideal weight and by how many pounds you are overweight. Regarding the overweight, consider losing weight on a long-term basis by regular physical exercises and balanced diet, cutting down on carbohydrates and direct fats. It is better not to go out for any corrective surgery or on pills as said earlier. Also it is unlikely that you might be put on a device to assist your sleep, if you have been ruled out of sleep apnea problem. Hope now your urinary symptoms are under control? Does your urine culture suggest any growth? Still it is good to drink lot of water and recheck your urine routine examination. Take care and please update on the progress.

I only need to loose 10 lbs. If you look at my weight as numbers, it may appear that I am fat, but I am a very tall and muscular. The sleep study said I had no apnea but my neurologist said if I do not loose the weight by the next time I see him, he said he was going to put me on the machine. Since I saw him I have not lost weight but have lost inches... so hopefully it'll work out. Im not sure why he says I have to be on the machine, but he says I will if I dont so.... As for the urinary it said I had kidney stones, no bacteria. As for the MRI of my brain, they did find some small abnormalities, but he thinks they are juist the anticardiolipin antibodies. I will have to get a nother one at a later date to see if they are there and that they have not grown. As for the EEG I have not got those results yet. I am hoping that they can find some explination for why I am so sleepy all the time. As for the tonsils, I haven't spoke to anyone because the nuerologist(i can't spell sorry) said he would talk to my primary care dr about that. So All I am waiting for are my EEG results.
thanks

I only need to loose 10 lbs. If you look at my weight as numbers, it may appear that I am fat, but I am a very tall and muscular. The sleep study said I had no apnea but my neurologist said if I do not loose the weight by the next time I see him, he said he was going to put me on the machine. Since I saw him I have not lost weight but have lost inches... so hopefully it'll work out. Im not sure why he says I have to be on the machine, but he says I will if I dont so.... As for the urinary it said I had kidney stones, no bacteria. As for the MRI of my brain, they did find some small abnormalities, but he thinks they are juist the anticardiolipin antibodies. I will have to get a nother one at a later date to see if they are there and that they have not grown. As for the EEG I have not got those results yet. I am hoping that they can find some explination for why I am so sleepy all the time. As for the tonsils, I haven't spoke to anyone because the nuerologist(i can't spell sorry) said he would talk to my primary care dr about that. So All I am waiting for are my EEG results.
thanks

It sounds like your doctors are on top of things. I'd still like to suggest you have your own file of all test results. I know from past experience that if I had been doing that I could have avoided the surprises of finding out there were diagnoses in my record no one had told me about. Especially when there are multiple doctors. The specialist thought the referring GP had discussed it with me as the results had been sent to him. The GP thought the specialist had...

That sleep study report sounds like something you might need to read for yourself to get a better understanding and to know what questions to ask. That is, if you are so inclined. Not everyone wants to be that involved in their medical care, especially as compromised as you are due to your sleep. It's just that I've had at least a half dozen of those things and know them inside out, and it sounds to me like you don't have enough detail to really understand what's going on with you. Again, if that's ok with you at this point, that's understandable.

It sounds like your doctors are on top of things. I'd still like to suggest you have your own file of all test results. I know from past experience that if I had been doing that I could have avoided the surprises of finding out there were diagnoses in my record no one had told me about. Especially when there are multiple doctors. The specialist thought the referring GP had discussed it with me as the results had been sent to him. The GP thought the specialist had...

That sleep study report sounds like something you might need to read for yourself to get a better understanding and to know what questions to ask. That is, if you are so inclined. Not everyone wants to be that involved in their medical care, especially as compromised as you are due to your sleep. It's just that I've had at least a half dozen of those things and know them inside out, and it sounds to me like you don't have enough detail to really understand what's going on with you. Again, if that's ok with you at this point, that's understandable.

Well I actually just recieved my EEG results and they came back normal. I'm not really sure at this point what to understand. I know I am really sleepy all of the time, but nothing shows up to give a reason why. I am actually done with testing so I don't know what they will do. I really dislike my job, so maybe that has something to do with how tired I am. I will be starting school soon and done with work here so maybe I will begin to get my life back. Right now it seems that maybe I am just out of luck untill then. I can't afford to keep going and getting tests done. The last thing I am going to do is I will call my dr. after work today and see what he says about why I am so tired still.

Well I actually just recieved my EEG results and they came back normal. I'm not really sure at this point what to understand. I know I am really sleepy all of the time, but nothing shows up to give a reason why. I am actually done with testing so I don't know what they will do. I really dislike my job, so maybe that has something to do with how tired I am. I will be starting school soon and done with work here so maybe I will begin to get my life back. Right now it seems that maybe I am just out of luck untill then. I can't afford to keep going and getting tests done. The last thing I am going to do is I will call my dr. after work today and see what he says about why I am so tired still.

From the comments I've read, people seem to think that because you were not diagnosed with actual sleep apnea you don't have a sleep disorder and don't need a C-PAP. That's wrong. I don't have sleep apnea, and I've been using a C-PAP for about 2-1/2 years - for UARS (Upper Airways Respiratory Disorder). What you described - about looking, acting and seeming as if you are asleep, but still being aware - is typical for me without the machine. We are "asleep" without getting down to that restorative REM sleep that is needed to really feel refreshed. It's sleep without any benefits. We never actually stop breathing during the night because our brains don't let us get to that point. When I spoke to my neurologist and said that I liken my situation to having an overactive brain that tells my body, "Hey, wake up since you're GOING to have a problem!" - my neurologist thought a minute, but then said that was a fair assessment. Anyway, 10 lbs is nothing and has no bearing on whether you will or won't need the machine - whether you have a sleep disorder of any kind will govern that decision. And if your doctor thinks that losing 10 lbs will cure you of snoring, s/he is living in la-la land.

Since you snore loudly, you may be preventing yourself from falling into that REM state. There are 3 types of throat surgeries that can open up that back passageway to help allow air flow (laser, cryo and injection), but that will only work if the airway is being somewhat obstructed - the surgeries will kill some of the tissue in the back of the throat to open up that area. Since doctors have brought up your tonsils, it may be that they are overlarge and causing obstruction in the airway now. Getting a tonsilectomy as an adult is very painful, much more so than when done as a child, and tonsils can grow back. (I knew one adult who had it done three times because they kept growing back - unusual but not unheard of.) The throat surgeries I mentioned are also quite painful. And if the snoring problem is caused by another area (such as in your upper nose), the surgery won't work, or at least it won't completely solve the problem. I suggest a consult with an ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) specialist to discuss what s/he thinks you should do, but I'd also ask a lot of pointed questions about why the advice being given is given, and just what the odds are of it helping.

If any doctor seems dismissive about your problem, change doctors. Lack of (restorative) sleep is a huge issue, no matter what it's caused by. And if you see any doctor who doesn't like to answer questions, change doctors, get another referral, etc. You have a right to have any questions you may have fully answered. If you have only one ENT in your group and don't find that person helpful, ask for a referral to outside the group and explain why. We may live in the HMO age which allows only 10 minutes per patient, but if you can find someone who will respond, if not that day then another, to any questions you pose, you will be doing yourself a great favor.

I concur that you should get copies of any reports. And you should have those with you if you decide to consult an ENT - or any other specialist, for that matter. Good luck with your sleep issue, and with any other problems. And best wishes for your future (you did mention the fiance).

From the comments I've read, people seem to think that because you were not diagnosed with actual sleep apnea you don't have a sleep disorder and don't need a C-PAP. That's wrong. I don't have sleep apnea, and I've been using a C-PAP for about 2-1/2 years - for UARS (Upper Airways Respiratory Disorder). What you described - about looking, acting and seeming as if you are asleep, but still being aware - is typical for me without the machine. We are "asleep" without getting down to that restorative REM sleep that is needed to really feel refreshed. It's sleep without any benefits. We never actually stop breathing during the night because our brains don't let us get to that point. When I spoke to my neurologist and said that I liken my situation to having an overactive brain that tells my body, "Hey, wake up since you're GOING to have a problem!" - my neurologist thought a minute, but then said that was a fair assessment. Anyway, 10 lbs is nothing and has no bearing on whether you will or won't need the machine - whether you have a sleep disorder of any kind will govern that decision. And if your doctor thinks that losing 10 lbs will cure you of snoring, s/he is living in la-la land.

Since you snore loudly, you may be preventing yourself from falling into that REM state. There are 3 types of throat surgeries that can open up that back passageway to help allow air flow (laser, cryo and injection), but that will only work if the airway is being somewhat obstructed - the surgeries will kill some of the tissue in the back of the throat to open up that area. Since doctors have brought up your tonsils, it may be that they are overlarge and causing obstruction in the airway now. Getting a tonsilectomy as an adult is very painful, much more so than when done as a child, and tonsils can grow back. (I knew one adult who had it done three times because they kept growing back - unusual but not unheard of.) The throat surgeries I mentioned are also quite painful. And if the snoring problem is caused by another area (such as in your upper nose), the surgery won't work, or at least it won't completely solve the problem. I suggest a consult with an ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) specialist to discuss what s/he thinks you should do, but I'd also ask a lot of pointed questions about why the advice being given is given, and just what the odds are of it helping.

If any doctor seems dismissive about your problem, change doctors. Lack of (restorative) sleep is a huge issue, no matter what it's caused by. And if you see any doctor who doesn't like to answer questions, change doctors, get another referral, etc. You have a right to have any questions you may have fully answered. If you have only one ENT in your group and don't find that person helpful, ask for a referral to outside the group and explain why. We may live in the HMO age which allows only 10 minutes per patient, but if you can find someone who will respond, if not that day then another, to any questions you pose, you will be doing yourself a great favor.

I concur that you should get copies of any reports. And you should have those with you if you decide to consult an ENT - or any other specialist, for that matter. Good luck with your sleep issue, and with any other problems. And best wishes for your future (you did mention the fiance).

Hi fastcarr, how are you? Thanks for reply. Well most of your investigations have turned out to be normal except for the minor finding in MRI for which you might be observed for any symptom development or even a repeat MRI as you said at a later date to compare the present findings with the ones at that time. So relax and concentrate to reduce weight as much as possible. If you are able to sleep comfortable and snoring is not an issue, you may opt to observe for some more time and do a repeat sleep study in 2-3 months instead going on for a device to help you sleep. Hope the kidney stones are very small but you need to have a follow up visit with Urologist to rule out the possibility of future obstruction and preventive advice. Take care and share your thoughts.

Hi fastcarr, how are you? Thanks for reply. Well most of your investigations have turned out to be normal except for the minor finding in MRI for which you might be observed for any symptom development or even a repeat MRI as you said at a later date to compare the present findings with the ones at that time. So relax and concentrate to reduce weight as much as possible. If you are able to sleep comfortable and snoring is not an issue, you may opt to observe for some more time and do a repeat sleep study in 2-3 months instead going on for a device to help you sleep. Hope the kidney stones are very small but you need to have a follow up visit with Urologist to rule out the possibility of future obstruction and preventive advice. Take care and share your thoughts.

Hi fastcarr, how are you? For quite sometime not heard from you. Hope you are doing lot better these days? Have you got your review done by the urologist for kidney stone and how about the weight reduction program going on? It is better to consult a dietician to plan a healthy and nutritious diet rather than trying to loose weight by restricting diet unplanned. You need to increase your physical activity and drink lot of water to avoid dehydration and concentration of urine. Do update on your progress. Take care.

Hi fastcarr, how are you? For quite sometime not heard from you. Hope you are doing lot better these days? Have you got your review done by the urologist for kidney stone and how about the weight reduction program going on? It is better to consult a dietician to plan a healthy and nutritious diet rather than trying to loose weight by restricting diet unplanned. You need to increase your physical activity and drink lot of water to avoid dehydration and concentration of urine. Do update on your progress. Take care.

I have been really tired since I can remember, and lastnight something happened that made me wonder. I went to bed around 6 p.m. woke up at 8p.m. falling back to sleep aroun 830. I woke up this morning around 5. thats almost 13 hours of sleep. Currently (10:30) I feel like I could just pass out. My fiance told me that when he got home he came in to check on me and he said I looked sound alseep. The thing is, I heard him come in the front door, i heard him look at me and I heard him turn on the tv in the living room. Also when he got in bed, I heard him russle the sheets, and start snoring. I know that people say too much sleep can make you tired too, but this isn't a normal tired, this is a it hurts to keep my eyes open tired, a i have to fight to stay awake tire, and a excessive yawn tired. I just graduated college last may and moved to another city in august to start a job. I was never this way in college, but I was also diagnosed with a blood disorder in may that put me on blood thinners. I wasn't like this in the summer, but I could go to sleep whenever and wake up whenever. Back to the current, I don't usually feel this way on the weekends. I don't know if its because I can fall asleep whenever and wake up whenever and take a nap whenever I please, but I seem to only be this tired when I have to do something that day. Basically I am wondering if its possible to be asleep but not get the right amount cause your constantly aware of your surroundings.

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